At Walt Disney World in the 70's and early 80's, R.J. was one of the original management artists - along with Lee Nestler, Tom Rodowski and Jayne Polgar - in charge of creative control at The Magic Kingdom. Under the guidance of Disney greats Marc Davis and Wathel Rodgers, R.J. painted, created and refurbished all the figures, sets, props and murals at the theme park. His work was seen every day on such attractions as The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Country Bear Jamboree, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Peter Pan's Flight and The Carousel of Progress.

While working at Walt Disney World, R.J. was already showing his paintings in galleries across Florida. Since then he has painted numerous portraits, including portraits for Liza Minnelli, Gloria Swanson, John Davidson and Sonny & Cher. He also created a painting of the Apollo 11 moon landing which he presented to Neil Armstrong in 1970. He was commissioned to paint the 1986 shuttle Columbia launch by his friend, then Florida Congressman Bill Nelson, who was a member of that shuttle crew. R.J. also paints portraits of Virginia Military Institute and West Point cadets.

He has had ten one-man shows and won numerous awards for his work.

R.J. has painted over 80 murals.

The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, Dollywood, The Queen Mary and Del Mar Racetrack are just a few of his clients. His murals appear in homes, businesses and theme parks all across the United States.

CARTOONING & ANIMATION

R.J. has also been creative in the field of cartooning, his original works appearing in advertising, books, videos and animated projects for over thirty years.

In 1974, R.J. was commissioned by renowned Disney magician and stage show creator Bev Bergeron to illustrate his new book "Willard the Wizard". R.J. and Bev became close firend while creating this book which was featured in a show at the Smithsonian.

In 1980, R.J. designed and developed a cartoon strip, "The Downunders", which was published in Australia. He also fabricated a walk-around costume of the strip's lead koala bear character, Aussi. The costume was unveiled at the 1980 World's Fair Australia pavilion.

In the 1980's his animated intro could be seen on artist Bob Ross's internationally-televised show "The Joy of Painting". R.J. and Bob became friends when, while his Branson, MO stage show was in development, Bob approached R.J. and asked him to teach him acting. Their friendship and professional relationship continued when Bob invited R.J. to teach cartoon drawing on one of his commercial videos, a video which is still sold today by the Bob Ross organization.

In 1998, R.J. was commissioned by the George C. Marshall Foundation and Museum to create an instructional coloring book showing the life and accomplishments of the revered American General. These "Soldier and Statesman" coloring books continue to be sold at the museum and are used as an educational tool at elementary and middle schools throughout all 50 states.

He is also currently writing and illustrating three children's books, one of which is a coloring book about Chicago.

THEATRE, SCENIC DESIGN & SPECIAL EVENTS

R.J. met his wife, Suzanne, while attending high school in Miami, Florida. They both were involved in the drama department. Since then, they have been actors, directors, producers, theatre owners, special event planners, acting teachers and scenic artists in well over a hundred productions.

His sets and set pieces for shows at major theme parks include work at Walt Disney World, Silver Dollar City, Six Flags (MO), The Queen Mary, Del Mar Racetrack (CA), and Dollywood.

In the early 80's, R.J. directed the nationally televised Tangerine Bowl Parade in Orlando, FL (now the Citrus Bowl). These parades included 70-foot long floats which he designed and built for businesses including "Days Inn", "Eastern Airlines", "Mayflower" and The City of Orlando. He was also instrumental in procuring Academy Award winner Louis Gosset, Jr. and Olympic Gold Medalist Mike Eruzione as grand marshals, and featuring them in the Bowl half-time shows. Other stars of his shows included Delta Burke, Jean Carol, John Wain and The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. In 1990, R.J. was asked to return to the Citrus Bowl where he developed, designed and produced its half-time show featuring the Gatlin Brothers.

He has been a coordinator and judge of theWalt Disney World Art Festival, a member of the planning committee that created the "Autumn Art Festival" in Winter Park, FL, a member of the planning and selection committe for the Miss Orlando Pageant in the 1980's, and, in 1985, the director of the City of Maitland (FL) Centennial Parade and its special events.

TEACHING AND MENTORING

Teaching is also a passion for R.J. He taught art at Disney University as well as in Miami pulic schools in the early 70's. For his work in Miami, he was singled out for his innovations in teaching animation art to middle school students.

In 1987, R.J. became managing director of the James Best Theatre and Acting School. After being taught film acting techniques by James Best, R.J. and his wife Suzanne taught stage and film acting at the school.

He continues to teach art and acting both at local Chicago schools and theatres, and is available as a guest speaker at special events. He also spends his time teaching art to home-schooled students across the Chicago area.

R.J. has no plans to retire from the worlds of art or theatre as he continues to receive commissions for paintings, murals, cartooning and animation and seeks new roles to play on the stage. He and his wife live in Chicago.

CURRENT PROJECTS

RJ's paintings can be viewed at The Brigantine Gallery in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Find and purchase more of RJ's art
at the site he co-owns with Suzan Summers -
MainStreetArtsAndCrafts.com.